Democratic Convention may showcase West

"I'll do whatever they need me to do," King said, describing herself as an Obama supporter who will vote for Clinton if she becomes the nominee. "It's going to be a historic convention, regardless of how it turns out, and I'd like to be part of it."

A number of the state's elected Democrats were also in the audience. Sen. Ross Romero, D-Salt Lake, said the convention's focus on the Intermountain West "is a great thing for us in this region" even if Utah Democrats don't always agree with the national party's positions.

Democrats often hold differing opinions on the issues, Daughtry said. "Every Democrat is different from every other Democrat," she said, noting the diversity of the's region party members goes beyond race or gender.

Daughtry said the gathering in Salt Lake Friday was scheduled so she could attend the 178th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that begins Saturday.

A Pentecostal minister, Daughtry said she was invited to attend the conference by LDS Church leaders. She met with them last fall while in the state for the first time to speak at a Utah Democratic Party fund-raiser.

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